6 Best Metal Detecting Finds in Wisconsin

Ever unearthed a piece of history? Dive into Wisconsin’s hidden treasures: coins, relics, and artifacts await! Discover where your next find could be!

Best Metal Detecting Finds in Wisconsin

Despite the state, metal detecting can always be fun and sometimes it can be rewarding. 

But if you are wondering if Wisconsin is a great place to metal detect, of course, it is! 

Wisconsin is not quite popular among treasure hunters. This is why it makes a great spot for metal detecting. 

Most of the treasures here are not yet revealed. The weather here is also pleasant and makes it convenient for metal detecting.

These factors caught my mind and the next thing that I wanted to do was to head to Wisconsin for metal detecting. 

I went to beaches, state parks, and many other hotspots in Wisconsin several times and was able to collect lots of treasures with the help of local expert detectorists in Wisconsin.

According to the treasures I’ve collected and treasures collected by local expert detectorists, I made a list of the treasures you can find when metal detecting in Wisconsin grounds.

So, here are the best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin,

  1. Old coins
  2. Jewelry 
  3. Gold nuggets 
  4. Civil war relics 
  5. Native American artifacts 
  6. Military artifacts 

But there’s a lot more to know about each of those findings!

So, in this article, I’ll explore the best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin with the exact locations they could find with historic aspects.

Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

Just keep reading! 

Treasures found in Wisconsin
Treasures found in Wisconsin

Best Metal Detecting Finds In Wisconsin

Wisconsin itself has a great history. And since it’s not very popular among the public, there are many objects that can be detected. 

If you follow the rules and obey them, you will be able to find rewarding things from around this state. 

Things you should consider when metal detecting in Wisconsin
Things you should consider when metal detecting in Wisconsin

So let’s look into some of the best finds from Wisconsin.

1. Old Coins

Wisconsin can be a great place to metal-detect coins. 

Old coin found when metal detecting in Wisconsin
Old coin found when metal detecting in Wisconsin

The state has a rich history and there are many places where coins may have been lost or buried. 

Milwaukee’s Veterans Park

Milwaukee’s Veterans Park is located on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is a great place for metal detecting if you are interested in finding lost coins. 

The best spots to detect here are the grassy areas and along the beach. 

Tip for metal detecting in Wisconsin
Tip for metal detecting in Wisconsin

Lake Geneva Public Beaches

The public beaches at Lake Geneva are another great spot to find coins. This is a popular place with high foot traffic. 

So it is likely to find lost and dropped coins along the beach.

Read to know the Best Beaches in Wisconsin to Metal Detect!

Lake Geneva Public Beaches Wisconsin
Lake Geneva Public Beaches Wisconsin

Oshkosh’s Menominee Park is a large park located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is visited by so many people. 

The park also has many activities. 

This is the reason for its popularity. The place probably might have coins around. 

Tenney Park 

Tenney Park is located on the northeast side of Madison, Wisconsin. This park has a beautiful beach with picnic tables and benches scattered around. 

This is why it is so popular among locals. 

Tenney Park Wisconsin
Tenney Park Wisconsin

The park has been in this area for a long time and you might probably come across some old coins. 

Birkmose Park

Birkmose Park used to be a popular park a few decades ago but it is no longer visited by many people. Because of this, it is a great place to detect. 

Check around the picnic areas, playground, and the beach that might give some good finds.

Washington Island

This is a part of Door County and is located on Lake Michigan. 

The Washington island is a popular summer destination among locals and tourists. Metal detecting this area might yield a range of items, particularly coins.

Tip for metal detecting in Wisconsin state
Tip for metal detecting in Wisconsin state

Racine’s North Beach

This beach is recognized as one of the best beaches in Wisconsin. 

There are a lot of beachgoers who visit this place each year. It is possible to find lost coins on the shores here. 

Racine’s North Beach Wisconsin
Racine’s North Beach Wisconsin

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is located in Door County, Wisconsin, and spans over 3000 acres. It is one of the most visited parks in Wisconsin. 

The park is exactly located between Fish Creek and Ephraim. 

Peninsula State Park Wisconsin
Peninsula State Park Wisconsin

The park also has cabins and campsites which can make it a great place to search for lost coins.

Check out the Best State Parks in Wisconsin To Metal Detect!

2. Jewelry

Wisconsin is no exception where people lose jewelry.

Old jewelry found when metal detecting in Wisconsin
Old jewelry found when metal detecting in Wisconsin

You will be able to find modern and ancient finds such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other types of jewelry while metal detecting here. 

Bradford Beach

Bradford Beach is a popular summer destination located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The beach is long and stretched. 

Bradford Beach Wisconsin
Bradford Beach Wisconsin

Visitors frequently visit this place for its beauty. So it is an excellent place to look for jewelry. 

Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park is known for its breathtaking nature and the freshwater lakes. It is located in Baraboo.  

Devil’s Lake State Park Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park Wisconsin

This place is visited a lot of times by the people and therefore, they tend to lose jewelry at this place.

Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park is located in Wausau and it has miles of beautiful hiking and nature trails. 

Rib Mountain State Park Wisconsin
Rib Mountain State Park Wisconsin

The park has been a popular destination for hiking and camping for years. 

It makes a great area for exploring the ground to detect jewelry.

Kohler-Andrae State Park 

Kohler-Andrae State Park is located in Sheboygan on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. 

Kohler-Andrae State Park  Wisconsin
Kohler-Andrae State Park Wisconsin

The shore area is open for metal detecting activities with permission. It is a prime location for jewelry detecting. 

3. Gold Nuggets 

Gold deposits and nuggets in Wisconsin are usually small and scattered. 

Most of these deposits can be found in streams and rivers. 

The Menominee River

The Menominee River is the border between Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Menominee River Wisconsin
Menominee River Wisconsin

This area has been reported as having some gold deposits in the past in the form of flakes and dust. 

Prospecting gold from this location requires permits from  Wisconsin and Michigan.

Flambeau River State Forest

Flambeau River State Forest is located in Rusk County and has a history of small gold deposits. 

The best locations to detect gold nuggets here are the Jump River area and the old gravel pit in the forest. 

You have to get a permission letter from the forest authorities.

Did you know fact about metal detecting finds in Wisconsin
Did you know fact about metal detecting finds in Wisconsin

Wheaton Island

Wheaton Island located in the Chippewa River in northwestern Wisconsin. Small gold nuggets have been found within the island and the surrounding areas. 

The island can be accessed by boat or by a walking bridge. Prospecting is allowed here with a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Black River 

Black River is located in central Wisconsin that runs through the Black River State Forest. 

The river shore and the surrounding area have small deposits of gold. This area does not require a permit.

Buchholz Creek

Buchholz Creek is an intermittent stream located in Marathon County, Wisconsin. This area also has silver deposits apart from gold. 

This is an isolated place and might require some effort to access.

East Tamarack Creek

East Tamarack Creek is located in Burnett County, Wisconsin. It has small amounts of gold flakes and nuggets. 

A permit should be obtained to detect this area.

Koro Creek

Koro Creek is a small stream located in Winnebago County. This area does not have large deposits of gold. 

But small nuggets and flakes were reported. You will need a permit to detect this place. 

4. Civil War Relics 

Although Wisconsin was not a major area of the Civil War, many soldiers who fought the battles were located there. 

Old civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin
Old civil war artifact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin

Also, there are some cemeteries that have the corps of these soldiers buried. So there are few locations where you might be able to detect civil war relics.

La Crosse

La Crosse was important in recruiting soldiers for the Civil War. 

La Crosse Wisconsin
La Crosse Wisconsin

There are also some records of the area where soldiers buried raids and other military equipment during the war. 

If you get a chance to speak to the staff at the museum there, they may lead you to some potential areas of interest.

Trempealeau County

Soldiers who lived within this county played a significant role during the Civil War. Several units from here were sent to fight major battles. 

Exploring nearby areas where the troops camped and set up defenses could result in interesting finds. The Mississippi River area is one such example. 

Soldiers Grove

This village was named after the Union soldiers who camped in the area during the time of civil war. 

It is possible that the artifacts from the camps and their belongings may still be present around this village. 

Wisconsin Dells

During the Civil War period, the Wisconsin River served as a major transport route for goods and soldiers. 

Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells

The areas around the river in Wisconsin Dells may be able to yield artifacts from the era. 

5. Native American Artifacts

Wisconsin has a long history with Native Americans. Before the Europeans arrived, it had been the home to many indigenous nations. 

The culture is still present within the state. 

old native American fact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin
old native American fact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin

It is important to note that removing Native American artifacts from any land without permission is not legal and counted as disrespectful. 

Proper permission is required to explore these sites.

Mississippi River Valley 

Mississippi River Valley is the home to several Native American tribes. And also this place has a great history. It is an area where so many artifacts still could be discovered. 

Mississippi River
Mississippi River

Door County 

Door County is archaeologically important. 

The area is reported to have found many Native American artifacts since the early 1900s. 

Door County  Wisconsin
Door County Wisconsin

So the location still has the potential for finding artifacts. 

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest with a vast land and is home to several archeological sites. The area helped in revealing different periods. 

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Wisconsin
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Wisconsin

Many Native American tribes have lived within this forest at different periods. With a permit from the archeological authorities, this place can be explored.

Aztalan State Park

Aztalan State Park was once the home to Mississippian settlers in the 11th century. It was eventually abandoned by the 13th century. 

Aztalan State Park Wisconsin
Aztalan State Park Wisconsin

Explorers and metal detectorists are able to find remnants of Native American culture such as arrowheads and copper jewelry. 

6. Military Artifacts

Wisconsin has many military-based locations including fortifications and military bases. 

Old military artifact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin
Old military artifact found when metal detecting in Wisconsin

There are also many battlefields where artifacts could be found. 

Keep in mind that some of these areas require a permit to detect.

Fort Mccoy

Fort Mccoy is a military training facility located in Sparta, Wisconsin. Its history dates back to World War ll. 

Visitors are welcome here but for metal detectorists, a permission letter is required.

Fort Winnebago

Fort Winnebago was built in 1828 in Portage, Wisconsin. It was initially established as a frontier fort during the Indian wars. 

There are remains of the fort that might be perfect locations to detect military artifacts.

Old World

Old World Wisconsin is an outdoor living museum located in Eagle, Wisconsin. 

It features around 60 historic buildings and structures of different periods which include Civil War-era buildings. 

With permission from the museum authorities, this location is open for metal detecting.

Blue Mound State Park

Blue Mound State Park is located in southwest Wisconsin and home to civilian conservation corps camps since the 1930s. 

Blue Mound State Park Wisconsin
Blue Mound State Park Wisconsin

There are barracks and campgrounds still located within this area. Metal detectorists can obtain a permit from the park management to explore this park. 

Some parts are restricted to detection. 

That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin with the locations they could find including the techniques.

Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I learned when I was metal detecting in Wisconsin.

How to find treasures when metal detecting in Wisconsin
How to find treasures when metal detecting in Wisconsin

The below tips will help you to capture your next metal detecting location in Wisconsin quite easily and to find treasures without any issues.

Some of the below tips were gathered from local expert detectorists I met during my metal-detecting sessions in Wisconsin.

Let’s jump in!

Tips For Metal Detecting In Wisconsin 

If you have plans to go metal detecting in Wisconsin, here are some tips for you to get started.

Know The Laws

It is crucial to be familiar with the laws on metal detecting in Wisconsin. Some cities and towns have their own rules on this. 

And the state parks probably require permits or permission letters. It is always a wise idea to ask the local authorities for guidance.

Research The Specific Location 

Choose a good area that has the potential for metal detecting. 

There are many parks, beaches and old settlements where you will be able to find many objects. 

Metal detecting clubs and articles on the internet can also be helpful.

Choose The Appropriate Metal Detector And Gears

Consider buying a detector that will work well in the area you are planning to detect. 

Also, invest in a durable pair of boots and shoes as you need to walk a lot while keeping your feet safe. 

Also buy gloves, a small scoop, and a bag with a lot of space to carry around.

Be Responsible 

Take care of the location that you explore. Be aware of all the rules. 

Fill up and restore all the holes that you dug. Leave the area clean and just as you found it. 

Join A Local Club 

This is a perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t know about the area. 

A club can provide valuable information on popular areas to detect around  Wisconsin and what kind of findings you can possibly get. 

Check out the Best Metal Detecting Clubs in Wisconsin!

Wisconsin farmer unearthed a 12,000-year-old woolly mammoth skeleton, one of the state’s most remarkable treasure finds.

www.chicagotribune.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Is it legal to metal detect in Wisconsin’s state parks and beaches?

Metal detecting is allowed in many of Wisconsin’s state parks and beaches, but it’s essential to obtain the necessary permits and permissions to ensure you’re detecting legally and ethically.

Can I find gold nuggets in Wisconsin?

Yes, gold nuggets have been discovered in areas like the Menominee River and Flambeau River State Forest, although they are typically small and scattered.

Do I need to join a local metal detecting club in Wisconsin?

While it’s not a requirement, joining a local club can offer valuable insights, tips, and information on the best places for metal detecting in the state.

Are there military artifacts to be found in Wisconsin?

Yes, places like Fort McCoy, Fort Winnebago, and Old World Wisconsin are potential sites to find military artifacts, but always ensure to have the necessary permissions.

How should I prepare for metal detecting in Wisconsin?

Knowing the laws, researching specific locations, choosing appropriate equipment, and being environmentally responsible are crucial steps to prepare for a successful metal detecting experience in Wisconsin.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Finds in Wisconsin

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin with locations and expert tips.

Best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin include old coins at Milwaukee’s Veterans Park, jewelry at Bradford Beach, gold nuggets in the Menominee River, Civil War relics in La Crosse, and Native American artifacts in the Mississippi River Valley. Obtain necessary permissions and explore these rich grounds for historical treasures.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions.

Hope you learned everything you wanted to know about the best metal detecting finds in Wisconsin from the experts’ mouths.

Now it’s your time to plan your next trip to an area mentioned above in Wisconsin, get the necessary permission, and start treasure hunting like a pro!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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